From: November 21, 2022

This year’s Maui Jim Invitational features one of the better fields in recent memory. With five ranked teams (Arizona, Arkansas, Creighton, Texas Tech, and San Diego State), and three other teams proving to be capable of an upset (sorry Louisville), it is shaping up to be a great watch during Feast Week. Let’s take a look at the tournament and how I think it’ll shape out. First game tips off today at 2:30 EST.

ROUND 1

23 Texas Tech vs 10 Creighton

These Feast Week tournaments normally let the better teams get a game to settle in, but not these two teams. These two teams have had completely different starts to the year. Texas Tech blew the doors off of Northwestern State in their first game, and handled Texas Southern easily, but struggled to put LA Tech away late, and ended up winning by single digits. On the other hand, Creighton struggled in their first game against St Thomas Minnesota but then blew the doors off their last two opponents. This game is a battle of styles, as the Red Raiders will want to slow the game down while the Blue Jays will look to score in as little time as possible. At the end of the day, I think Creighton overpowers Tech offensively and squeaks out a win late.

Creighton 81, Texas Tech 77

Louisville vs 9 Arkansas

Before the season started, this game looked to be a sneaky good one. However, it has been a disaster in Louisville for Kenny Payne to start the year. After losing three “buy games” by a combined three points, Louisville looks to get its first win of the year in the Maui Jim Invitational. It’s too bad that they have drawn Arkansas in the first round. Louisville has little to no guard play, and has had trouble containing opposing backcourts. Arkansas brought in an amazing recruiting class, as well as a couple transfers. Louisville just doesn’t have the ability to keep up with this team, Razorbacks by knockout.

Arkansas 95, Louisville 73

Ohio State vs 17 San Diego State

Yet another interesting matchup in the first round. Do not let the rankings fool you, the Buckeyes are going to be a tough team again this year, as returning forward Zed Key and Oklahoma State transfer Isaiah Likekele both look to punch another ticket to the dance in March. San Diego State, a mid major darling from that canceled 2020 March Madness tournament, returns to the national spotlight for the first time since the pandemic. The Aztecs have one of their best teams in program history, and will look to break teams down slowly. It is uncertain what type of team Ohio State is, so I’m going to go with the consistency of San Diego State in a low scoring slug fest.

San Diego State 71, Ohio State 62

Cincinnati vs 14 Arizona

Fresh off the heels of a Sweet Sixteen appearance in his first year as head coach, Tommy Lloyd had to deal with some roster turnover. The Wildcats lost both their best player in Bennedict Mathurin, and their sparkplug guard Dalen Terry. The team also lost their star big Christian Koloko to the NBA. Lloyd hit the transfer portal, and landed Texas guard Courtney Ramey. Along with the progression of players like Adama Bal and Oumar Ballo, Arizona should be a fantastic offensive team yet again. However, this Cincinnati team should be able to cause disruption to the Arizona offense. Head Coach Wes Miller also dove into the transfer portal and got Landers Nolley II from Memphis as well as Rob Phinisee from Indiana. The team has a lot of guards with scoring ability, yet put up a measly 51 points against Northern Kentucky, barely scoring in double digits in the second half. Look for the Bearcats to slow down Arizona, but in the end, the Wildcats just have too much firepower.

Arizona 85, Cincinnati 74.

ROUND 2

10 Creighton vs 9 Arkansas

If there’s ever a game to bet the over in this tournament, it’ll be this one. Both teams have so much firepower offensively, I do not foresee many stops in this game. Look for a track meet, and a fun one at that. First team to blink loses.

Arkansas 94, Creighton 90

17 San Diego State vs 14 Arizona

San Diego State’s defense meets its maker in this one. Once again, the Aztecs will be able to keep it close in the first half, but Tommy Lloyd and the Wildcats’ offense is just too much. Death by a million cuts in the second half.

Arizona 88, San Diego State 80

CHAMPIONSHIP

9 Arkansas vs 14 Arizona

Nevermind, this one is the track meet of all track meets. Both teams love to get out in transition, creating layups and corner threes. Not a lot of defense in this one, talent up and down both teams’ roster. Maui Jim should be a fantastic tournament, and this championship should be the ultimate treat.

Arizona 97, Arkansas 93